Leigh Ann Laube

Owners are encouraged to dress up their pets for the race's costume contest. Photo courtesy of Natalie Whitlock.

Participants are invited to “Run Fast. Bark Loud” at this year’s AniMile & Human Race, scheduled for Nov. 23 in downtown Kingsport. The one-mile walk/run, held for the second year in memory of Sheridan Edwards, serves as a fundraiser for the spay and neuter program of the Sullivan County Humane Society.

The race will be held at approximately 2:45 p.m., in time for participants to finish and watch the arrival of the Santa Train shortly after 3 p.m. as well as the annual Kingsport Christmas parade.

“Out of all the events we do, this is my favorite. It’s such a happy day,” said Natalie Whitlock who, with husband Hank Brown, co-owns and co-manages We Run Events, which is hosting the AniMile (for humans and their pets) & Human Race (for humans).

Last year’s race drew more than 500 humans. “We’re hoping we will top that this year and continue to grow,” Whitlock said. “You can come, walk your dog, then stick around and watch the parade.”

Dogs are the most typical pets entered in the AniMile, but any pet is welcome as long as it is on a leash. Last year’s race featured cats and a pot-bellied pig. If you don’t have a pet, you can still benefit the Humane Society by entering the Human Race.

“All money to the Humane Society goes to SNIP (Spay/Neuter Impact Program). That’s how we’re going to get ahold of the pet overpopulation problem,” she said.

In addition to the walk/run, the event will feature sketch artist Stephanie Sakowicz, who will do pet portraits for $20, and local author Brenda Poe. Poe will sign copies of her book “Let’s Go Home,” a children’s book based on the true story of a little girl named Grace and her love for animals. Participants are also encouraged to dress up for the ever-popular costume contests. Awards will be given for the costume contest as well as for the AniMile and Human races.

Registration is $20 through Nov. 21, and $25 on Nov. 22 and 23. Online registration is available at www.werunevents.com. Online registration closes at 10 p.m., Nov. 21. Registration is also available from noon to 2:15 p.m. on the day of the race at 151 E. Main St. Animals are free with human registration.

Packet pickup and late registration will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m., Nov. 22 at Chef’s Pizza on West New Street in downtown Kingsport.

Chef’s will host a post-race meal for humans, and Greenies Treats will be given to AniMile participants.

Sponsors of the race include Chef’s, Culligan, Bank of Tennessee, Rainbow’s End and Gibbs Dental Lab.